Is £3,000 Enough for a Bespoke Engagement Ring in the UK?

How long do I Need to Plan for a Bespoke Ring To Be Made?

If you’re planning a proposal, timing suddenly feels very important.

Many of the people who contact me are organising something meaningful, often a surprise, and one of the first questions they ask is:
“How long does a bespoke engagement ring actually take?”

The honest answer is that it depends slightly on the design stage, but as a general guide:

My bespoke engagement rings usually take around 6–8 weeks in total, with 4–5 weeks of making time once the design is approved.

I’ll explain exactly what that means, so you know what to expect and can plan with confidence.

Why Where a Ring Is Made Matters for Timing

All of my engagement rings are made in the UK, in the Jewellery Quarter, by my trusted workshop team.

This matters more than many people realise.

Because the rings aren’t made overseas or at arm’s length, I have direct control at every stage of the process, from design through to finishing. There’s no waiting for international shipping, no customs delays, and no uncertainty about where your ring is or when it will arrive.

For clients, this often brings a huge sense of relief. You’re not relying on long supply chains or external factories, you’re working directly with someone who is closely involved throughout.

Person working with a small tool making an engagement ring on a bench peg

The Bespoke Engagement Ring Timeline (Step by Step)

1. The Design Stage (Flexible Timing)

The design stage is the most personal part of the process, and it’s the one area where timing can vary.

Some clients have a fairly clear idea from the outset. Others need more time to explore options, ask questions, and understand what feels right. Both are completely normal.

This stage includes:

discussing your ideas and priorities
exploring stone options (diamonds or sapphires)
refining proportions, settings, and details
making sure the design suits everyday wear

There’s no pressure to rush this part, unless you are working to a tight deadline. I’d much rather take a little longer here than move forward before you feel confident.

2. Giving the Go-Ahead

Once you’re happy with the final design and give the go-ahead, the timeline becomes much more predictable.

From this point, the making process typically takes around 4–5 weeks.

That’s when the ring moves into production with my workshop team.

3. Making the Ring (4–5 Weeks)

During this stage, your ring is:

made to order
carefully set
finished and polished
checked for quality and durability

Because everything is made locally, I can keep a close eye on progress and address any small refinements along the way.

There’s no waiting for shipments to clear customs, no extended delays, and no uncertainty about communication between time zones.

Why My Timeline Is Reliable

One of the reasons my timelines are consistent is that I don’t outsource production overseas.

Rings made abroad can be subject to:

long shipping times
customs delays
limited visibility during production
less flexibility if changes are needed

By keeping everything in the UK and working closely with my workshop team, I can offer a clear, realistic timeframe and keep clients informed throughout.

That reliability is particularly important when a proposal date is involved.

Bespoke Bridal Jewellery box with rings on a book next to a branded black bag

What If You’re Working to a Specific Deadline?

If you have a specific date in mind such as a holiday, anniversary, or planned trip, it’s always best to mention this early on.

In many cases, a 6–8 week timeline works perfectly. If time is tighter, I can talk you through what’s realistic and whether any adjustments are possible without compromising the quality or thoughtfulness of the ring. There are sometimes options to push the workshop timeline for an extra “express” service charge, at a small extra cost.

I’ll always be honest about timing. I won’t rush a design or promise something I can’t comfortably deliver.

Why Taking the Time Is Part of the Value

It’s worth remembering that a bespoke engagement ring isn’t something pulled from a shelf.

The time involved allows for:

thoughtful design
careful stone selection
considered proportions and wearability
proper craftsmanship

Most clients tell me that, in hindsight, the process felt quicker than they expected, and far more reassuring than they’d imagined.

If you’re really tight on time, take a look at my one-of-a-kind ready to ship Engagement Rings. A perfect solution for this who want something really special, but much quicker than a bespoke ring will allow.

A Reassuring Final Thought

If you’re worried about timing, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common concerns I hear.

The good news is that a bespoke engagement ring doesn’t have to mean long or unpredictable waiting times, especially when it’s made in the UK and closely managed at every stage.

With clear communication and a realistic timeline, most proposals can be planned calmly, without last-minute stress.

Jewellery design process with a ring on a design sketch

What Can Affect the Timeline (and What Usually Doesn’t)

One of the reasons people worry about timing is that they’re unsure what might cause delays, and whether those delays are within their control.

In most cases, the overall timeline isn’t affected by anything unexpected. It’s shaped mainly by how long the design stage takes, which is intentionally flexible. Some clients move through this quickly, while others appreciate having time to explore options, ask questions, and sit with decisions before moving forward. The speed of this process is almost always determined by how many changes the client wants, as well as how quickly they come back to me with any feedback. If you are working to a tight timeframe, it’s crucial to be aware of this and try to be as fast moving as possible.

What doesn’t usually affect the timeline is production uncertainty. Because your ring is made in the UK, by my workshop team in the Jewellery Quarter, there’s no reliance on overseas manufacturing, international shipping, or customs clearance. Once the design is approved, the making stage is consistent and reliable.

Occasionally, small design refinements are made during the process for example, adjusting proportions slightly or refining a detail, but these are part of ensuring the finished ring feels right, not signs of delay. I’ll always keep you informed and talk through anything that affects timing so there are no surprises.

The aim is that you feel informed and in control throughout, rather than waiting anxiously and wondering what’s happening behind the scenes.

Explore Bespoke Engagement Rings

Is £3,000 Enough for a Bespoke Engagement Ring in the UK?

How long do I Need to Plan for a Bespoke Ring To Be Made?

Why Where a Ring Is Made Matters for Timing